Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Tina Higgins
The Bard cast his timeless spell on Medstead Players last weekend with "A Shakespearian Experience" few will forget.
It was an evening of which Will himself would undoubtedly have approved - a relaxed gathering mellowed by wine, wit, good humour and song. Conceived and directed by Neil and Tina Higgins, the aim was to kindle an interest in even the most sceptical of theatre goers.
The performance began with popular extracts from five different plays - Hamlet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The 29th Sonnet.
Brightened by the amusing ramblings of two 'cleaners' - 'Cooper and Cox' (Nick Cooper and Paul Cox), each extract was further clarified by MC, Val Prior. The overalled duo struck a chord as they inveigled the hard working Val into joining them in a further rendition of "Brush up on your Shakespeare" - a theme which ran throughout the production.
The interval proved an equally entertaining affair. The first half had ended with the wedding feast from 'The Taming of the Shrew' and the audience were invited to participate in an authentic menue conceived and presented by Marion Rogers, ably assisted by an assortment of "merrie" helpers. Then it was back to the plot with the final two acts of "the Shrew" brought to life in illuminating style by a cast which included several youngsters, a wealth of traditional costumes -each one the work of producer, Val Prior, and ingenious scenery.
There were some memorable performances, notably Marion Rogers as the flirtatious "Bianca", Carole Janes as the chauvinistic "Petruchio" and Anita Prior as the willful "Katherina".
Quick change artist, Dianne Nicholls, produced some fine character acting in her roles as the gormless "Grumio" and dignified "Vincentio" as did the three witches in Macbeth, namely Daniel Higgins, Katie Kouchajki and Lucy Western.
Although a departure from the "norm" the production was a real "feather in the cap" for the Medstead Players - a shared "experience" which was as rewarding and enjoyable for those on stage as off.
The cast were: Carole Janes, Anita Prior, Neil Higgins, Ann Penn, Marion Rogers, Dianne Nicholls, Pam Kercher, Lucy Western, Stan Whitcher, Karin Withey, Katie Kouchajki, Gareth Bennell, Sue Ovell, Emily Harrison, Daniel Higgins, Catherine Hudson. Accompanist: Jane Fomes.
Cast List:
Hamlet:- Neil Higgins Macbeth:- Daniel Higgins, Katie Kouchajki, Lucy Western A Midsummer Night's Dream:- Ann Penn Romeo and Juliet:- Dianne Nicholls, Stan Whitcher The 29th Sonnet:- Pam Kercher The Taming of the Shrew:- Carole Janes, Anita Prior, Neil Higgins, Ann Penn, Marion Rogers, Dianne Nicholls, Pam Kercher, Lucy Western, Stan Whitcher, Karin Withey, Dianne Nicholls, Katie Kouchajfei, Gareth Bennel, Sue Ovell, Emily Harrison, Danief Higgins, Catherine Hudson, Katie Kouchajki
